Task 1: Fly fixed-wing aircraft and obtain infrared imagery. i. The Contractor will consult with CDFW staff to help design and schedule efficient surveys for wildlife using fixed-wing aircraft with a FLIR payload to detect wildlife via their heat signatures, given CDFW’s needs and the capabilities of the survey technique. Once the surveys are designed, the Contractor will fly the fixed-wing aircraft on the scheduled dates along pre-determined transect lines at heights that do not influence wildlife behavior (1,500 feet) and detect them with the FLIR payload. Once wildlife is detected, an onboard laser distance meter will determine the distance from the aircraft to the wildlife and distance from the transect line to the wildlife. The aircraft will then deviate from the transect line to confidently identify and enumerate the wildlife detected. For some species and time periods, individuals will be further identified by age class and sex where possible.
